Auvi-Q vs Epipen For The Treatment Of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a serious and life-threatening medical condition affecting both children and adults. It is caused by a severe allergic reaction to allergens such as food, medications, latex and insect venom. The most common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk eggs and preservatives. The symptoms of anaphylaxis include asthma symptoms, hives, gastrointestinal upset, shock and even death.

The treatment is epinephrine, which is given as an intramuscular injection in the thigh. It is the only medication that has been proven to reduce the chance of death, especially when given early. When a patient shows signs of anaphylaxis or has a history of it, they should be given an epinephrine auto-injector as soon as symptoms begin. They should have an epinephrine auto-injector readily available, carried with them or by the adult supervising them. The injection does not take the place of emergency medical care. Patients should seek emergency medical treatment after the injection. The two most common forms of epinephrine auto-injectors are Auvi-Q and Epi-Pen. There are many similarities between the two medications.

Epi-Pen

Epi-Pen has been around for a while. It is shaped like a writing pen/ marker, hence the name. Due to its small size, it can fit into pockets, purses and tote bags. Some users have complained about the awkward shape. It has a safety cap on one end, and a spring-loaded needle on the other. To take the medication, the safety cap must be removed, and the spring-loaded needle must be facing the thigh of the person receiving the medication. Proper positioning and administration are crucial. If the Epi-Pen is mistakenly held backward, it can result in accidental injection into the thumb of the person administering the Epi-Pen.

Auvi-Q

The second, and more recent epinephrine auto-injector, is Auvi-Q. It is small and rectangular, approximately the size of a credit card and thickness of a cell phone. It was designed to fit into pockets and purses more easily. Some users have complained that it may not look like a typical injection or may not be easy to identify in a bag during an emergency. It has a safety tab on the needle end to prevent accidental needle pricks. It also has voice instructions guiding the administer with step-by-step directions on how to use the device, to prevent accidental needle sticks. It also has an automatic needle retraction system. Its focus is particularly for administration for children and easy user experience. Often, the person administering the medication may be unfamiliar with how to properly give it and may be panicking from the stress of the severity of the situation.  

Side Effects

Side effects of both medications include fast, irregular or ‘pounding’ heartbeat, sweating, shakiness, headache, paleness, feelings of over-excitement, nervousness, or anxiety, weakness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, or breathing problems. These side effects usually go away quickly, especially if you lie down and rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or persist.  Patients can also experience infection at the injection site within a few days of the injection. These symptoms include redness that does not go away, swelling, tenderness, or the area feels warm to the touch.

Drug Safety and Interactions

Both medications can only be injected into the thigh, over clothes if necessary. Do not inject into veins, buttocks, fingers, toes, hands, or feet. Seek medical attention if it is injected in any other area other than the thigh. Tell your healthcare provider about any drugs you are currently taking, especially any asthma medications. Let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of depression, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart problems or high blood pressure, or have any other medical conditions. Consult with a doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.